ASK EMILY
Published: May 1, 2008

Dear Emily: I moved away from home about six months ago, and I am very homesick. I have a good job and some nice new friends, but I just feel so lonely at the end of the day. How do I get over this feeling? I am 26 years old and am a little embarrassed to even admit that I am so homesick.
— Missing Mom

Dear Missing Mom: Don’t be embarrassed by your feelings; there is nothing wrong with missing the comfort of familiarity. But to overcome your obstacles, you’ll need to create new connections and a new sense of home. Get more involved with friends in your area. Try embracing new activities to get your mind off of home and focused on the fun you can have while away. Also, keep in contact with your family back home and encourage them to visit.

Dear Emily: I am almost through my freshman year of college and am pretty sure that I don’t want to go back next year. I just don’t think college is for me. I’ve never gotten good grades in school and always had problems learning. My parents will really be angry when I tell them my decision. How can I make them see my side?
— Ready for Change

Dear Ready for Change: The benefit of a college degree is immeasurable, so make sure that this decision is well thought out and that you have a good alternative to college in place. That is what you’ll need to prove to your parents. Assure them that you can still reach your goals in life. Be prepared for their questions. For example, a college degree is essential for certain jobs, even if you hadn’t got good grades. So what kind of job do you hope to get?
Dear Emily: I am a high school student who wants to"go green” and do more for the environment like everyone else, but I feel like there is not a lot someone my age can do, besides recycle. Any ideas?
— Green Girl

Dear Green Girl: There is plenty you can do. If you don’t have an environmental club at your school already, talk to your science teacher about starting one. Promote things like riding your bike to school once a week instead of having your parents drive you. Also, ask your mom and people at school to buy products made of recycled paper. Other things you can do include volunteering to clean up a stream or park, planting some trees or boycotting products bad for the environment.